As Commanders and Adjutants, we often struggle to identify Legionnaires who are willing to volunteer to actively to support their Post’s (and District’s, and Department’s) programs.
Posts that own a “home” — especially if they operate a “lounge” — generally have little or no difficulty finding volunteers to assist with social events. Finding volunteers to successfully conduct Legion programs and/or Veterans Support projects (which is the sole reason that Congress granted and thus far allows The American Legion to keep our tax-exempt charter!) is too often a challenge, at least for a number of our larger posts.
I believe we can largely solve this problem by polling our members’ wants, needs and skills. This will be especially important with those members who rarely (or never) attend Post meetings or only participate in social functions.
Here in Colorado, we have22,500customers — Legionnaires throughout the state about whom we know little more than whether and when they’ve paid dues. Any enterprise so poorly acquainted with its “customer base” is doomed to fail.
Fortunately, we know the solution. We have 21st Century technologies to survey, tabulate and make available to Districts and their Posts a mission-critical Members’ Preferences Database. Such an invaluable tool will alert leadership at all levels to the Legion Programs which are of greatest interest to regional and local Legionnaires. This will provide an important, rational basis for communicating regularly with the foundation and backbone of our organization — our Legionnaires.
Today is the day we need to create and put into play every proven strategy available, to vault our American Legion into the 21st Century!
For over a year I have been saying that one of the twenty first century problems with our organization, is that we have to get the American Legion out of the post and into the community.
Our National Commander, Dave Rehbein has provided us with a very great tool to accomplish this task.
In February Commander Rehbein signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command, (USAREC). The MOU states that the American Legion will assist the Army in qualifying future soldiers by providing mentoring and tutoring when requested and within the capabilities of the individual post. In exchange USAREC will assist American Legion Posts where ever possible.
At first glance this does not seem to be a very important document with little effect on the American Legion or USAREC. The first glance could not be farther from the truth. This document permits and encourages the local recruiters to interact with the American Legion at the Post, District and Department levels. It provides the tools for the American Legion Post to be recognized in the community, expand children and youth programs, the Blue Star Salute, TS2, Boys State, Oritorical Contest, Drug Awareness Programs, National Security, and numerous other programs. The MOU gives the local legion post access to military guest speakers, military displays at Legion events, new members willing to work for the good of the legion family, access to potential Legion, Auxiliary and Sal members.
By now you are thinking how does all this work? What is it going to cost my post?Where does my post fit into this program?How do I start this process?
I will attempt to provide some of the answers to your questions.
First, I can tell you that the cost in dollars to your Post is very minimal. It will take a few dedicated and very rewarding hours of your time to become involved in securing the future of our Army, our Nation and the American Legion.
The entire relationship process began in September 2008 when Roy Vapp, an American Legion member in Nebraska contacted your Department Commander and suggested working with the Denver Recruiting Battalion. Over the next four months LTC. Medina, Commander of the Denver Recruiting Battalion and his staff worked very closely with the Department Commander and the Office Manager, Elaine Bock to put together the overwhelming Swearing In Ceremony and Purple Heart Presentation at our Mid Year Conference in Denver.
In February the Denver Battalion contacted our Office Manager and requested assistance with their Safety Stand down. Through Elaine’s efforts Post 23 donated the use of their meeting room and a group of Boys State supporters, prepared a lunch that raised money for our Boys State Program. With these successes, and the MOU in place, the next step is simply falling into place.
Through the Denver Battalion Headquarters, new recruiters are being requested to contact the local American Legion Post when they are assigned to a Recruiting Station in your community. When contacted, the post should welcome these soldiers into the community, assist them and their families with the things that make them welcome.
Introduce the recruiter to members of the community, make them feel at home. Inform them of which areas are the best to live, where to shop, who provides the best services, be it a garage, car wash, plumber, electrician, carpenter, babysitter, pre-school, schools or soccer team for their children. Introduce their wife to the Auxiliary members, so that they will “know someone in the community”
Auxiliary members can invite the recruiter’s wife to join them for coffee, lunch or shopping. A meal or desert provided when the family is moving in can be most welcome, and can start a lifelong friendship. These simple courtesies cost practically nothing, and at the same time you are creating the support network the military family lost when they left a military installation.
Your efforts can help the new recruiter become successful in his mission, which reduces the stress of the long hours, and isolation from the military community. Lower stress levels allow the recruiter to live a happier life and be a productive member of your Legion Post. By doing this we have completed the mission of TS2 and Operation Re-Connect for a military family.
At your next meeting, or better yet, create a local media event at the Army Recruiting Office by presenting the Recruiter with an American Legion Certificate of Appreciation signed by the National Commander and National Adjutant, thanking them for their service. This type of media event provides valuable publicity for your American Legion Post and the Recruiter.
The recruiters have daily contact with high school students. They meet with these youth frequently. They can identify and direct potential candidates for Boys State, Girl’s State, Oritorical Contest, Legion Baseball and other children and youth programs to the post, making our jobs easier and increasing participation in our programs.
Recruiters can supply the post with information on new soldiers, and their families. Armed with this information we, the American Legion should contact the families of new soldiers immediately after the new soldier has reported for duty.
We need to present them with a Certificate of Appreciation for their son or daughter’s service, and a Blue Star Banner, while explaining the benefits of “Connecting Military Families” secure web sites for personal communications, and other benefits available to the soldier and his/her family.
We are not there to get the family to join the Legion, merely to thank them and provide information. Eventually these families will become supporters of the American Legion, and many will choose to join our ranks after they have seen what we are doing for our military. We are recruiting them by demonstrating that we care for veterans, not asking for membership!
The future soldiers that the recruiters will refer to the Legion, Auxiliary and SAL for education assistance, tutoring, and mentoring, will see firsthand what the American Legion Family is about. We are being entrusted with helping them achieve a major goal that they have set for their lives, becoming a United States Soldier.
These future soldiers will remember who helped them achieve their first “adult goal” for the rest of their lives. You will become their hero, and they will be proud to join YOUR American Legion Post because you helped them become a soldier.
The future soldiers, and the present soldiers are the future of the American Legion, if you do not step up to this mission, you are causing the demise of your American Legion Post, Unit and Squadron.
Recruiters can also assist the American Legion by being speakers at Post, Squadron, Unit and District Meetings. Assisting with Honor Guards and ceremonies by providing us with refresher training and access to current information. Your local recruiter can provide you with valuable military updates and other information.
Recruiters frequently know what deployed troops need in the way of comfort items, recreation items and support packages, where, how, and to whom to send them to achieve your post’s specific charitable goals.
New soldiers frequently contact their recruiter when they are having problems in the military. Unfortunately, the recruiter has access to only the resources that are available the rest of the military to help a soldier once they are in the service. In many cases, the local recruiter can let a post know when help is needed, and an American Legion Program such as TFA can be utilized to assist with the situation.
Would you like to have a climbing wall, a military vehicle, a military display or presence at a Legion event, or parade? Your local recruiter can help you with securing these types of project support.
Your elected Department Officers, Headquarters Staff, and upcoming Legion, Auxiliary and Sal Officers are committed to making this program work for the benefit of the U.S. Army and the American Legion. Are you willing to do your part to make this program a success?
Congratulations are in order for Col. Akam, Brigade Commander of the United States Army Recruiting Command and National Commander Dave Rehbein. Col Akam recently uncovered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the US Army Recruiting Command (USAREC), and the American Legion in Nebraska. The long unused MOU called for cooperation between USAREC and the Legion in several areas, with the legion and auxiliary mentoring future soldiers that were having difficulty with academic requirements, and recruiters assisting the local legion post with their activities.
Col. AKAM revised the MOU and sent it up his chain of command. On February 26th, the Commanding General of USAREC, LTG Benjamin Freakley and National Commander Dave Rehbein signed a new agreement on behalf of both organizations.
The MOU provides the Legion and USAREC with some very powerful tools we can use to improve the perception of the American Legion in our communities. The legion will have the ability to meet future soldiers and their families so that we can provide them with information on the programs we have available for them, Blue Star Banners, answering questions about the military, Family Support Network, Children and Youth Programs are just a few of the opportunities which we can utilize to be recognized in the community as a supporter of our service men and women.
We forged a very strong working relationship with the Denver Recruiting Battalion at our Mid Winter Conference. The MOU will serve to strengthen that relationship.
I am asking all American Legion Posts to become involved in Operation Reconnect or in this case Operation Connect, by welcoming new recruiters into your post and community. These soldiers are serving America away from the normal military support network, and it’s our duty to help them join our communities by helping them to get settled in the community, and being their “first friends in a new community.” Little things, like which daycare center can take their children, where the good restaurants are, where to get their car serviced or buy groceries, can be daunting tasks for a person new to the community.
The Denver Recruiting Battalion, which covers all of Colorado and local recruiters, will work closely with the American Legion to support and assist with legion projects in the community, military displays, color guards and support at special events.
The American Legion has developed a Certificate of Recognition, which can be downloaded from the Internet and printed for active duty members of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.
Headquarters will prepare these certificates for all the members of the Denver Recruiting Battalion; the certificates will be mailed to the posts where there are Recruiting Stations. The posts are requested to then present the certificates to their local Army recruiters; this is an excellent opportunity for the post to meet these soldiers and invite them to become active members of the American Legion Family.
Presentation of these certificates provides your post with an excellent opportunity to contact the local media for some publicity and recognition in the community. Additional public relations opportunities are available when presenting Certificates of Recognition to a local fire fighter, police officer, Eagle Scout or a business that displays the POW or American flag every day.
Its time for all of us to get out of the post and into the community, where the American Legion can be recognized for what we do.
My fellow legionnaires, I would like to start the year by saying Thank You for electing me as your commander for the next year and providing me with an outstanding group of officers and staff to work with. As your Department Commander I can only promise that as Department Officers, we will do our best to work towards what is best for the American Legion and the Department of Colorado.
Those who attended our 89th annual convention in Colorado Springs had an opportunity to meet your Department Officers. Frank McCurdy is your Senior Vice Commander, Thresa Arney, Larry Decker, Jim Gates, Jim Gillis, Jon Gooley, and Jim Park were elected as your Junior Vice Commanders. Paul Erickson was elected to serve another term as your Finance Officer, and Eleanor Allen was re-elected as Historian. Robb Smith was elected SGT at Arms.
Thank you to our immediate Past Commander Tim Grabin and his officers for their service during the past year.
My theme for this year is “Soaring To New Heights” , because we have many challenges before us that will largely determine the future of the American Legion.
Once again the “Commander’s Project”, is to increase the funding for the Colorado Children and Youth Foundation. The Colorado Children and Youth Foundation is an American Legion Non-Profit Corporation established in 2003 to provide funding for the Department’s Children and Youth programs from the proceeds of the foundations investments. The foundation still needs to raise approximately eighty five thousand dollars before it can begin funding these worthwhile programs from investment returns. Donations are tax deductible and always welcome. We encourage every post to do some type of fund raising activity for the Colorado Children and Youth Foundation this year.
Every donation, no matter how large or small gets us closer to our goal.
The past few months have created many challenges for the American Legion in Colorado including:
* The new Secretary of the Veterans Administration decided to scrap the existing plans for the Denver VA Medical Center and outlined his plan for a “hospital within a hospital”.
* Gasoline has reached a record high price of $4.26 a gallon, diesel fuel is hovering at $5.00 a gallon and food prices have risen significantly in the past year.
* Bingo revenues at many posts are declining.
* Attendance at conventions has declined and hotel costs have risen.
* The American Legion is “doing business” the same way it has for over thirty years.
* Volunteers have less time to volunteer.
As your department officers, we are committed to improving the Department of Colorado. To improve our department will require us to look at different ways to do things, which brings up the “C” word – CHANGE. We are well aware of the fact that everyone dislikes CHANGE because it disrupts, “the way we have always done things”.
That being said, we must all remember that many changes in the past thirty years have vastly improved our lives.
Thirty years ago gas was 79 cents a gallon, the DMS Program was cutting edge technology and this year the program was placed on hold by our national headquarters while they evaluate the program. Microwave Ovens, DVD’s, Personal computers, PDA’s, the Internet, E-Mail, On Line Purchasing, Cell Phones, I-Pods and Fax Machines hadn’t been invented yet. Mimeographed news letters were the most technologically advanced and best way to communicate with large groups of people, and copies were made with carbon paper not copiers.
We have all survived these technology advances, some with more foreboding than others.
The time has come for the American Legion to embrace the “new” technology available to us.
The first of several meetings with the District Commanders was held at the Convention, where some of the challenges facing every post and district were identified. Immediately after the conclusion of the Convention, your officers met with Jin Cong, and Jon Martinez of our National Headquarters Staff to discuss how we can meet these challenges. Several promising ideas and concepts were identified, and we are developing methods of evaluating and implementing those ideas.
This year, we have a new department level committee, The Technology Committee, whose mission is: “To look at ways that we can do more of the business of the American Legion with less time and expenditures.”
We need your input and ideas on what changes you would like to see in the future.
Please accept this invitation from your Department Commander, R. Tim Grabin to attend Your Department Convention. I promise it will be one of the very best you have attended. Our National Commander Marty Conatser, and National Regional Membership Representative, Jin Kong will be there.Our special guest at our convention Banquet as our keynote speaker is U.S.N. Rear Admiral Hamby and entertainment by the U.S.Army. Harmony In Motion Singers!Where: Colorado Springs at the Crowne Plaza, 2886 S. Circle Dr. off of I-25 and Circle.When: June 26-29th.Room reservations call (719) 576-5900 no later than June 11th.Be sure and ask for the Legion rates. Welcome delegates, members, and guest.The hotel has been completely remodeled (restaurant and lounge) and main entrance is open and waiting for You.Let us support our new incoming officers.
What an honor to have served as your Department Commander in the great state of Colorado.I am grateful for our Department of Colorado Headquarters Staff for their logistical planning and experience.
What a year of success it has been team.I am thankful for our Department Officers, Executive Committee, Committee Chairman and Finance Committee and District Officers.You were the team with stamina to the end.You made the difference to our posts and The American Legion.
The American Legion and The American Legion Family standing in Unity has created teamwork and set the standard high.To our American Legion Auxiliary President, Dee Chappell-Haley and Sons of The American Legion Detachment Commander, Mark Kilstrom, it has been an honor to serve with you.
Mission: Bridging to Success
Vision: Every American Legion Member must focus on service to
Veterans and their families.
My project was supporting The Colorado Youth Foundation this year of 2007-2008 with a fund raising pin and other donations.The pin exemplifies a suspension bridge made up of towers (four pillars of the American Legion) Veterans and Rehabilitation, Nation Security, Americanism and Children and Youth.The mighty cables are The Legion Family – The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and The Sons of The American Legion who form the wires that keep the bridge strong.In unity we overcome every barrier.Our patriotism and freedom must be passed on to our families for generations to come.Is. 40:31 has been there as my strength, “With Wings as Eagles, May We Not Grow Weary. Think Big!!! Make a difference!
.During our Department Fall Visitations we visited all fourteen Districts within Colorado, five State Veterans Homes, both the Western Slope and East Front Range State Veterans Hospitals.The Team also visited The Fisher House.
I was asked to serve on Congressman Doug Lamborn’s Veterans Advisory Board.Then on May 2, 2008, the Subcommittee on Disability assistance and Memorial Affairs, held a hearing on “Is the VA Cemetery Construction Policy Meeting the Needs of Today’s Veterans and Their Families” and as your Department Commander, I gave testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on the need for a brand new
National Cemetery in Southern Colorado.
Jim Fiedler, Rick Friend and Team worked Colorado April 21 to May 3, 2008 spending considerably time in the Grand Junction area.
Appreciate the United Veterans Committee of Colorado for all your hard effort in making a difference for Veterans. Thanks again for your invitation to State Capitol for Military Appreciation Day and you to Ralph.United Veterans Banquet as usual was great and well attended.
Our team of delegates attended the annual Washington Conference with appointments to spend time with our congressional representatives and discuss legislation that is needed to better care for “all” veterans.
A special thank you to Charles Bogle for introducing the American Legion to the 091 Foundation. We look forward to a long relationship with this important organization-serving veterans.
Our National Vice Commander Peggy Detori toured several posts and attended our joint Commanders and President Home Coming May 10th, 2008 at Security Post 38.We had a great turn out and it was fun.
District Spring Convention with election of officers and passing of resolutions was conducted with attendance of one or more Department Officers.National Commander Marty Conastser’s challenged us to increase reporting on the Consolidated Post Reports.Remember, it is not the cost of membership, but the value of our membership.
Thank the membership team and Chairman Gar Williams for making better than 75% with our headquarters transfers.We had Districts 1, 8 and 14 making 100% or better.
Special congratulations to District 8, for you are the only District to achieve the difficult task of reporting all of your posts at 100% of their assigned goal. Truly, Bridging to Success.
This is the 3rd year in row that Department of Colorado Membership with DMS has shown continued growth. Here are the numbers by year; 2005-2006, 26,624members; 2006-2007, 25,651 members; 2007-2008, 25,780 members.
Congratulations, Adjutant Pat for your vision and hard work in constructing a one of kind Veterans Educational Training Center for the Denver Vet Center. This is an educational opportunity available to veterans to learn about computers not found anywhere else in the country in the VA system.
It was an honor to hear Adjutant Pat as keynote speaker at the Nisei War Memorial and I was privileged to play Taps for our Japanese-Americans who fought and died during WWII in defense of the homeland that had incarcerated them.Our team of Legion Family also participated in the Denver Memorial Parade and I participated in Memorial Day at the Florence Veterans Home as keynote speaker and playing of Taps.
This year I have visited a number of Posts above and beyond.I have received a number of invitations that were delegated to other officers to attend on my behalf.Thank you for your generosity.Like all the other commanders before me, I did not accomplish everything I would liked to have.My five years as a Department Officer starting as Co Chairman of Membership has been a life changing experience, one I will never take lightly or forget.Department Adjutant, Pat Smith, you are the mentor of a lifetime.
May we keep our National Executive Committeeman Jeff Luginbuel, and family in our prayers. Thank You Legion Family for all that you do and what we stand for.Put a Period on it. Tim.
The time is getting short with a May 15th target for 100%. Thank you membership team for making better than 75% with our headquarters transfers – it will make a difference.
Our National Commander, Marty Conatser, has authorized a new incentive for District Commanders. It is called the National Commander’s 100% District Commander Cap 2007-2008!!! Any District Commander who achieves 100% or more of their 2008 membership goal will be awarded a blue Post cap with insignia identifying their achievement. Districts 1, 8, and 14 are 100% and hopefully by the time this article is published District 2 will be there also. Colorado, we can do any thing if we set our minds to it. The sky is the limit.
Our request for James Fiedler, Assistant Director, Membership Section, Internal affairs Division has been authorized to visit the Department of Colorado from April 21 to May 3, 2008, for new Post and Post Revitalization work.
Our National Vice Commander Peggy Dettori will be in Colorado for our joint Commanders and President Home Coming May 10, 2008 at Security Post 38 in the Colorado Springs area. Bridging to Success
District Spring Conventions are under way. At least one Department Officer or more has been assigned to cover their Districts. Remember National Commander Marty Conastser’s Challenge is to increase the percentage of posts sending in their Consolidated Post Report (CPR).
Memorial Day is approaching and I know The American Legion does all it can to honor our fallen heroes who have paid a high price. Americans must remember that freedom isn’t free. Our team is looking forward to seeing you at our Department Convention at the Crowne Plaza in Colorado Springs June 26th – 29th for a great convention. Contact your Vice Commander to secure your last opportunity to purchase the “Bridging To Success” pins to benefit the Colorado Youth Foundation.
Colorado, I want to thank you for who you are and what you do. You have made our state proud with your patriotism across this state. Proud to be a part of and I too count the value of being a member. Our Bridging To Success has updated its goals to Bridging Into The Future. The Legion Family in Colorado has surpassed the challenge. Our rendering service under the Four Pillars – fighting for the well being of our veterans, standing for America’s core values, proving for children and endorsing a strong national security policy – made me proud to your Department Commander. In Unity we win.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 as a grassroots organization to support the veterans and their communities. As a grassroots organization, our founding members sincerely believed that the power and desire to act reside with our members and their local post. It is for this reason and this reason alone that our National Constitution and By-Laws set forth guidelines of noninterference to post operations and activities. It was the hope of our WWI veterans that each post and its members can activate and reach out to their community and operates to support the growth and development of its citizens locally.
Mentors – in our life. God places the right people in our life when we have the right attitude. I am thankful for our Department Adjutant, Pat Smith who mentored 17 Department Commander prior to me.
Congratulations, Pat for your vision and hard work in constructing a one of kind Veterans Educational Training Center. For more information contact Department Adjutant Pat Smith.
The 4 most important words – “What is your opinion”
The 3 most important words _ “If you Please”
The 2 most important words – Thank You”
The 1 most important _ “We”
and the least important word – “I”
I think it was Abraham Lincoln who said, “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
Quitting does not produce the desired result…so there is no reason to quit!!! Your relationship success depends on your ability to stay motivated… to keep communicating, to make necessary changes and adjustments, to listen and honor those around you. Passion is always…always…costly. Passion Is When Your Goal Becomes Your Only Obsession.
My great uncle is one of the 4 million American men and women who answered the call to fight the First World War that we pay tribute to. My wife Gwen’s great uncle Joe O. Alvord’s family had no knowledge of what happened to him after he went off to fight in WWI.Recently we were able to retrieve his name through a computer in the state of Kansas which indicated that Joe O. Alvord was Killed In Action (KIA).
It takes me back in time as I think of the sacrifices made by those veterans and the privileges and rights as American Citizens that we all enjoy today because of those sacrifices.I thought of our organization, The American Legion, born from the outcome of WWI. Today one man, 107 years old, Frank Buckles is the sole surviving U.S. doughboy. But the legacy of the sacrifices of the WWI vet will live on in the hearts and minds of all veterans.
Recently my son, Captain Karl Grabin, returned home from Iraq to celebrate a never too late Christmas, Thanksgiving and birthday party all rolled into one with his family and friends. He is one of the latest generations to sacrifice for our freedoms. Karl said he was proud to wear the uniform and protect our freedoms. Karl’s mother said.“Honoring and remembering our veterans is the least we can do for someone who is fighting for our freedom”.
Our WWI founders of this organization sincerely believed that the power and desire to act resides with our membership at their local posts.It is for this reason and this reason alone that our National Constitution and By-laws sets guidelines of non-interference in post operation and activities.It was the hope of our WWI veterans that each post and its members can activate and reach out to their community and operate to support the growth and development of its citizens locally.
During my travels around the state I have experienced and witnessed the real strength of our grassroots organization, which is the blue hat legionnaire who regularly attends monthly meetings. I was recently invited to Salida Post 64 where 2 members were recognized for their 60-year tenure of legion service.I was very impressed with Commander Rich Padoven’s ritual service of rendering Post Everlasting; the tripod with brazier, stacking of rifles and taps.Department Jr. Vice Rick Friend and I were proud of the teamwork demonstrated by Commander. Larry Lowe of Westcliffe Post 170 along with his post officers to sharing in unity with Salida Post 64. What a great evening.It was like when the Army is requesting assistance the Navy sends in artillery and air support to assist and accomplish the task
A successful leader is one who understands people, their strengths and weaknesses.A leader will influence people to want to not only do things, but to do the right things.A leader gains cooperation, confidence, and loyalty by acting in professional, friendly and approachable manner.He /she have the ability to work with others, want them to be successful, and accept the fact that they may have different viewpoints.A successful leader is one who builds a great team around himself.You must assemble a full complement of Officers with new and fresh ideas.Then work together as a team for the best interest of your Post and for the betterment of The American Legion overall.Knowledge and continuity are two keys to a quality leadership team willing and capable of doing the hard work necessary to make our programs a reality in our communities and to involve and retain existing members.Current officers and members in their Post should recognize that one of their highest priorities is to actively recruit dedicated members to be officers of the Post.It is imperative to educate and encourage them in the responsibilities and rewards of being a Post Officer.“I am an American Legion Officer, and I Serve to make a difference!”
It is 2008 with a new beginning.We have four months left for the Department year.It is time for the current slate of officers to help the new incoming officers get ready to assume their office after the Colorado Department Convention. This is an important task; the current officers also need to finalize all projects and programs of the current post year.Our year is not over yet. What I have mentioned above should not stop with just the officers; it should include all the members of The American Legion Department of Colorado.Our Posts will not survive without the involvement of its members.That is just fact.Get involved volunteer and be an active participant within your Post and community.Together we can and will make the difference.
It is the responsibility of every member of the Post to make sure that our new members have the opportunity to become involved in the Legion programs, share their talents, and feel they are a valued member of the Post.Retention begins with members communicating.A mentor maintains contact, encourages involvement and sees that the new member’s entry into The American Legion is smooth and pleasant.
Why do we have such a hard time getting new members, and why can’t we keep our new members?Public relations take time and effort but you also have excellent resources at your disposal to help you get your good works announced.In today’s society, it takes more than a restaurant and bar to draw members.Men, women and family members who invest the time in belonging to an organization like The American Legion care about the image and perception of their Post.Everyone likes to have bragging rights about an organization where they are members.It is our job to provide that pride.We need to get the word out.Veterans Still Serving!!!“You must have long range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short range failures.”
Notes from National Commander Marty Conaster – as we enter 2008, it’s time for action, it’s time for commitment.And, above all, it’s time to get the job done. With your help, The American Legion can once again cast its vote for democracy.Get out the vote can be downloaded from The American Legion’s web site www.legion.org.The National Americanism Commission is coordinating efforts of the National Organization to encourage American Legion Posts and their members to become involved in this year’s elections.The involvement can come in the form of voter registration drives; get out the vote activities, sponsorship of town hall meetings and forums, or simply promoting voter participation through local media outlets.Elections are important to our Republic.
Our National Commander has also asked that we re-double our efforts on membership. He has asked that all of our leadership at all levels sign up at least one new member. And then ask each of our post members to sign up one new member. Please forward the names of the new members you sign up to me at Department Headquarters. Let’s jump on this effort.
Post Adjutants – Consolidated Post Reports (CPR) are to be sent to Department headquarters.Reports are shared with members of congress.
1952 and was 31,222 members.
Words of wisdom: Legion family: heal the past – embrace the present – dream the future.Common Sense – The quality of mind or character, which enables one to make intelligent decisions void of emotional bias or illusion.
Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines continue to serve our national defense needs with courage and character that has ensured our freedoms for over 200 years. Our Preamble – may we as the largest veterans organization, “ The American Legion” stand ready to continue our service and support to those who serve the United States of America.
Today I am thinking of our Son, Captain Karl D. Grabin, U.S.A., a paid up for life member of The American Legion and Life Member of The Sons of The American Legion. What he has seen and gone through in Iraq – brings care, concern, and prayers from our family daily. We The American Legion Family feel the same about all our service men and those who have served. Never take anything for granted The future of our great organization, to take care of the veterans and provide programs, relies on bridging our future toward continued enlarging growth. Remember it is not the cost but the value of membership. I have a favor to ask – Let us make the membership goal in January. Colorado needs 80% to make our national goal by January 7th, 2008. Now is time to make a difference – by continuing to make our membership goals throughout this year. The year of 2007 – 2008 membership renewing started July of 2007. If your card reads 2007 it has expired. Members your American Legion card should read 2008. Let us not grow weary in well doing, but mount up with wings as Eagles crossing the Bridge to Success. We will never give up – our patriotism is needed. A dream isn’t birthed without a team – vision goes forth as we labor in unity. Hurry up and renew today. We need to have an American Legion telethon for renewals and transfers.
Jim Fiedler and Jin Kong from our Indianapolis office recently held a membership workshop in Pueblo organized by Rick Friend and his team. Thank you Rick and your team for an excellent workshop. Jin Kong, our National Membership Representative, Chris Ueberroth of Westcliffe Post 170 and Larry Decker, District 8 Sr. Vice Commander, from Pueblo West Post 207, held an orientation and social meeting in Colorado City for the reactivation of Rye Post 115. Thanks to all my Staff, Officers, and Committeeman, in the team book – and the blue hats – the Larry Legionnaires! I have great people around me – helping the Department of Colorado and the team in achieving our dreams. You also have great people around you. You need informed and inspired legionnaires around you. You may be their only source for information and motivation.
The Value of Vision – Posts, when we have purpose in life don’t leave it dormant. Recognizing and walk in your purpose and destiny is the key to a successful post. Turn our abilities of vision into reality! Without vision our Posts will perish.
Two forces motivate leaders: pain or pleasure, fear or reward, loss or gain. We as Leaders within our districts and posts must train our mangers and leaders to become master problem solvers. Negotiate everything. Your words are creating financial gain or loss. Your words are bringing increase or decrease. Words create doors or walls. Your words are bridges or barricades.
Bridge – is that link to create the change of where we were yesterday – where we are going today and tomorrow’s success. Attend seminars and workshops. Remember that when you want something you have never had; be willing to do something you have never done. Everything is difficult at first. Many will fail in life because they are unwilling to make changes. They like their comfort zones. Yet others are willing to go through a little discomfort and create success. Ross Perot, the famed billionaire, said “One Good Idea Can Enable A Man To Live Like A King The Rest Of His Life.”
My project this year is to raise money for our Colorado Youth Foundation and my “Bridging to Success” pin is available for only $5.00 and all proceeds will go to the Youth Foundation. Contact Department Headquarters and order the pins to sell to your members at the post. They will be available at Midyear Conference in Colorado Springs. Colorado – Seek and you will find!!! See you January 25-27 at Mid Year Convention Colorado Springs – be there and you will be motivated and renewed.
May your New Year be Happy and may God Bless the American Legion in 2008!
